190 PUVs, motorcycles issued with TOPs, tickets by enforcers
By Paulo DS. Papa
AROUND 190 motorcycle owners and public utility vehicle drivers received citation tickets and Temporary Operator’s Permits (TOP) in a surprise operation led by a composite team from the Naga City Police Office, Public Safety Office, and Land Transportation Office.
Conducted on January 20, the operation aimed to inspect PUVs and motorcycles’ documents, including official receipts, certificates of registration, and drivers’ licenses.
Termed as a One Time Big Time approach, police personnel emphasized that similar operations will be consistently conducted in the coming days.
On January 22, during the Kape at Boses conference, authorities confirmed that 134 individuals were issued citation tickets and TOPs during the operation on January 20.
The operation targeted busy venues like Peñafrancia – San Felipe intersection, Balatas – Dayangdang intersection, and Rotunda in Concepcion Pequeña.
Out of the 134 drivers, 104 received citation tickets, 30 were issued TOPs, two faced confiscation of unauthorized LED lights, and one had their vehicle impounded.
On January 23, a similar operation in San Felipe – Carangcang Road penalized 61 individuals, including 40 with citation tickets, 19 with TOPs, and two with impounded motorcycles.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Honesto Garon, deputy city director for administration, stated that while the operation won’t be regular, it will occur randomly throughout the city without prior announcements.
The initiative aims to monitor public compliance with national laws and local ordinances related to traffic rules and regulations, including RA 4136, the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, which mandates citation tickets for non-compliance.
One such rule requires drivers to provide documents proving their vehicles are registered by the LTO for operation.
Police Col. Erwin Rebellon, former regional director of Highway Patrol Group in Bicol who is now the city director of the Naga City Police Office, briefs personnel of the PNP, PSO and LTO after the second salvo of One Time Big Time operation in San Felipe – Carangcang road conducted Tuesday, Jan. 23. (Photo courtesy: Naga City Police Office)